amp modeling... how close is it?

poomwah · #1 01-03-2009, 01:26 PM

will an effects unit with an svt amp model really get my sound close to that of an svt? I've got an audition coming up next weekend for a classic rock cover band, and I REALLY want that svt overdriven tube sound. But i'm on a wicked buget, about 100 bucks is all I can spend right now

WalterBush · #2 01-03-2009, 01:48 PM

The short answer is...no, not in my experience. Amp modelers don't sound or feel like the amp they're supposed to be modelling. They just share some of the same qualities. You might find an amp model that sounds good to you, but I've yet to hear the SVT preset that even comes close to an SVT that's right there in front of you. On a recording, some of them come close after lots of tweaking.

For $100 bucks though, I'd be looking for an overdrive pedal, not an amp model, if I were you.

dannybuoy · #3 01-03-2009, 01:52 PM

It'll get you close enough. Get a VT Bass pedal if you can afford it ($150, less if you can find a second hand one on the TB forums). Your other next best options are the Sansamp BDDI, Behringer BD121, Zoom B2 and Line6 PODs.

Have you got any idea what kind of amp you're going to be using? You may not need to use anything. Ampegs, Trace Elliots, Ashdowns, GKs, etc sounds pretty rawk just as they are!

OptimusPrime · #4 01-03-2009, 02:01 PM

People say the Fulltone Bass-Drive sounds just like an SVT. I've owned the Fulltone and I own an SVT. They sound completely different. Not saying the Bass-Drive is bad, it's great. But a real SVT is better.

poomwah · #5 01-03-2009, 02:39 PM

please keep the overdrive pedal suggestions coming. thank you guys for all the advice.
the amp is a carvin bx1200, I have a choice of cabinets, also carvin, 210, 410, 810

poomwah · #6 01-03-2009, 04:07 PM

ok, the fulltone, sansamp, vt, and pods are out of my price range :[
does the b2 have a decent overdrive

fightthepower · #7 01-03-2009, 04:11 PM

Even with the best amp modeler.... you're still playing through whatever amp/cab you actually have! I've never understood the appeal... unless you're going direct to the house or something.

I haven't played with a b2, but from what I've read, none of those really have decent fuzz/OD/distortion..

dannybuoy · #8 01-03-2009, 04:30 PM

The B2 is great for SVT-like slight grit. Plus you can use it as a headphone practice amp, tuner etc. Create a clean patch, select the SVT amp type, adjust the gain/tone, set the cab modelling to 0 or 1 and you're good to go. I used to use one to dirty up my tone and it worked really well.

The cheapest way of getting a good sounding slightly dirty rock tone is with a Digitech Bad Monkey (tubescreamer like overdrive that sounds great on bass) or a Behringer BDI21 (decent Sansamp clone, one of the few good things Behringer make).

poomwah · #9 01-03-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fightthepower

Even with the best amp modeler.... you're still playing through whatever amp/cab you actually have! I've never understood the appeal... unless you're going direct to the house or something.

I haven't played with a b2, but from what I've read, none of those really have decent fuzz/OD/distortion..

I guess the appeal is I have a powerful, reliable amp, but am not thrilled with the tone and wish I had a tube amp type growl :\
my amp sounds full and clean, albeit maybe a little sterile. it would probably be great for jazz or country, but thats not me. I want a growly kinda sound like Phyl Lynott on the live version of The boys are back in town, when the bass kicks in, OH MY GOD. Gene simmons live back then had a nice growly tone too. I'm GUESSING it was because they both played through ampeg :\

Swift713 · #10 01-03-2009, 04:49 PM

The B2 is OK for a little dirt. It doesn't respond like real analogue gear, let alone a real tube amp but the models can get you a flavor reminiscent of those tones we've all heard so much of. I found the sansamp model good for a little edge, the bassman is good for a retro vibe, the SVT model was decent for a low gain drive, and the tube pre was good for anything. You can bypass your amp's pre if it has a very different flavor from the model you're using. If you're actually running through a cabinet you probably want to turn off the speaker simulation as well. And don't forget, the blend knob is your friend.

poomwah · #11 01-03-2009, 04:57 PM

how about one of these http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/VT911.aspx